Miami Marlins not interested in Cuban defector Dariel Alvarez

December 28, 2012|By Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

The Miami Marlins last offseason made a strong, yet unsuccessful run at touted Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes. Don't look for them to mount a similar pursuit for Dariel Alvarez, who earlier this month was declared a free agent.

Alvarez, 24, appears primed to be the next product of the island nation to cash in. A right-handed hitting outfielder, Alvarez defected last summer and established residency in Mexico, where he currently is playing for the Tuxpan Tigers in the Vera Cruz winter league.

According to a source who spoke with the Marlins, they're at best lukewarm on Alvarez and likely would not be represented at the Jan. 5 showcase. Alvarez through 49 games with Tuxpan was hitting .317/.335/.465 with three homers, 19 RBI, 18 doubles, five walks and 19 strikeouts, His best tool may be hs throwing arm, but the Marlins in spite of their need for an outfielder aren't sold on the entire package.